Sussex Academy swim teams off to red-hot start

Seahawks 4-0 following tri-meet against Polytech, Seaford

Sussex Academy boys’ and girls’ swim teams both knocked off Polytech and Seaford in the season’s first tri-meet. The Seahawks are shown providing unified support with a cheer meant to mimic the sound of a swimmer leaping off the block and into the water. Junior Victoria Evans is credited with bringing it to the swim team. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Aaron R. Mushrush

December 16, 2024

Next person up.

Although they were down a few top swimmers, Sussex Academy Seahawks proved how strong their program is, with both teams claiming victory over Polytech and Seaford at a Dec. 13 tri-meet in Georgetown.

“We were pretty nervous because obviously our [whole] team isn't here, but we needed that energy,” said sophomore Camila Figueroa. “We picked up everybody and had good time, so we were able to bring up everybody to win.”

Figueroa helped her squad take down Polytech 67-26 and Seaford 69-13 by placing first in the butterfly and backstroke while being part of the winning 200 relay teams.

“It was a great chance for all the kids to come together and really put it together, put it on their shoulders and find a way to win the meet,” said Seahawks coach Tom Martiner.

Seniors Addison McKay and Lyla Baker also met the moment as members of the 200 relay teams in addition to personal glory. McKay won the 200 individual medley and backstroke, while Baker flashed her speed in the 50 and 100 freestyle races.

“Kids who in the past didn't get an opportunity to win really stepped up so they could get the wins,” Martiner said.

Freshman Willet Cole seized her opportunity for triumph in the longest race of the day.

“I swam the 500, and it was definitely really nerve-wracking,” Cole said.

Not to be outdone, the boys handled their business in dominating fashion with a 68-22 win over Polytech and a 77-13 victory over Seaford.

“It's all about being confident, flushing out the nerves – there's nothing to be worried about,” Angel Figueroa said. “We're more of quality over quantity, and that's how it is for us.”

Figueroa was featured on the winning 400 and 200 free relay teams, and tapped the wall first in the 200 individual medley and butterfly. Jaxon Laux (500 freestyle and breaststroke) and Michael Whitaker (100 freestyle and backstroke) were also double winners.

“The bottom line was, they accepted it like champs, no hesitation, and they were able to perform as well,” Martiner said about his teams.